Decoding Security Covers in India: X, Y categories and what they mean

Security protection is provided depending on the level of threat perception. The threat is assessed by the intelligence agency.

X, Y, Z, Z+, and SPG: These are the five high-category security covers provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India.

These high-security covers are provided to leaders, ministers, athletes, judges, celebrities, businessmen, and sometimes to common people.

X category is the fifth security level and in this category, people get two security forces to protect them. Both the security forces are armed police personnel. There is no commando.

The X category comes with one PSO (Personal Security Officer).

Then comes the fourth level of protection which is the Y category.

Y category security cover is also provided after assessing the threat to the person.

Under the category, 11-member security forces, including 1-2 NSG commandos, are provided to the protection.

The Y category also comes with two PSOs (Personal security officers).